"This morning Benedict XVI received in audience Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, who subsequently met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

"A central issue of the cordial conversations was the troubled situation in the Holy Land. Particular stress was laid on the urgent need to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one capable of ensuring respect for the rights of all and, therefore, the attainment of the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations for an independent State. It was thus reiterated that soon the State of Israel and the Palestinian State must live in security, at peace with their neighbors and within internationally recognized borders. In this framework, with the support of the international community and in a spirit of cooperation and openness to reconciliation, the Holy Land will come to know peace.

"Reference was also made in the meetings to the situation of the Christian communities in the Palestinian Territories and the Middle East in general, and mention was made of their irreplaceable contribution to the building up of society.

"Finally, the hope was expressed that the work of the delegations of the Holy See and the Palestine Liberation Organization may proceed fruitfully towards the elaboration of a comprehensive agreement between the parties".

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, 3 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Montpellier, France presented by Archbishop Guy Thomazeau, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law. He is succeeded by Archbishop Pierre-Marie Carre, coadjutor of the same archdiocese.